Pallone supports Bush's initiative on India

Washington, Mar 11: Leading Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr (Democrat) and co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, voiced strong support for President Bush's three-day trip to India as another step in strengthening our strategic partnership.

In a speech last night on the floor of the House of Representatives, Mr Pallone said after President George W Bush made his first ever visit to India last week, ''his three-day visit was another great step towards our two nation's strategic partnership.

The US and India have made extraordinary progress over the last several years and the path that lies ahead is critical to our improving relationship.'' Besides the US-Indian civil nuclear cooperation deal, President Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke about a number of important initiatives that would enhance co-operation in defence, counter-terrorism, agriculture, energy, and promotion of democracy, he said.

Based on their shared values of diversity, democracy, and prosperity, the growing partnership between the US and India has created profound opportunities that are central to the future success of the international community, he said.

I appreciated that the President put some emphasis on the Kashmir issue. He called for a solution agreeable to all parties and emphasised the need for ''tangible progress'' on the issue. Bush used his trip to urge the leadership of India and Pakistan to continue down the road to peace, Mr Pallone said.

''Last year, India and Pakistan agreed to use Confidence-Building Measures aimed at promoting trade and normal relations and have begun to narrow their differences on the issue of Kashmir. I'm encouraged by these recent efforts to improve the security situation in Kashmir. I am also hopeful that cooperation between India and Pakistan can continue so we can finally sustain peace in Kashmir,'' he added.

UNI

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